By Last Updated on May 21, 2023
The island of Kauai is renowned for its unique geography and unparalleled natural beauty. Because 97% of Hawaii’s oldest island is undeveloped and covered with verdant mountain ranges and lush, tropical rainforests, it remains a paradise that will never be overdeveloped or tarnished by massive skyscrapers. Kauai Lagoons Marriott Vacation Club places guests among this wonderland.
Kauai remains my family’s favorite Hawaiian island, most especially because it is an outdoor lover’s nirvana. Truth be told, you need to be a nature lover to truly appreciate all the allure this island provides.
From the soaring cliffs of the Na Pali Coast and its many velvety emerald peaks to the vast chasms of Waimea Canyon and the hundreds of rainbows and waterfalls, Kauai dazzles the senses like no other destination in the world.
There is no better place to call our home-away-from-home on this magnificent island than Kauai Lagoons Marriott Vacation Club.
About Kauai Lagoons Resort
As Marriott Vacation Club owners, we have come to expect a certain level of class, comfort, amenities, and service from Marriott locations across the globe. But the first time we stayed at Kauai Lagoons, it definitely felt a cut above. It didn’t take long to understand why.
Located in a secluded oasis on the eastern side of the island, the Lagoons are part of a master-planned community. The villas were originally built and designed to be part of the Ritz Carlton Residences development as a deeded fractional ownership. With the 2008-2009 recession, Ritz Carlton’s plans changed. In 2012, Kauai Lagoons instead became Marriott Vacation Club’s newest Hawaiian vacation property.
Staying at Kauai Lagoons
The Kauai Lagoons resort is situated along a 36-acre freshwater lagoon on one side with unparalleled views of the harbor on the other. Two and three-bedroom villas comprise three separate buildings all sporting ocean-harbor views.
The 70 luxury villas feature rich Hawaiian-inspired furnishings, fully-equipped kitchens with top-of the-line appliances, a huge living room and dining area, and our favorite, the massive outdoor lanai with a dining table and lounge chairs. This area makes the spacious villa feel even larger than it already is.
Two-bedroom villas can sleep six with two full baths. Each room contains a king size bed with an additional sleeper sofa in the living room area. The three-bedroom villa can sleep up to eight guests with three king rooms and a sleeper sofa. Each room has its own private bath. In all respects, the two and three-bedroom villas were much more expansive and luxurious than similar Marriott Vacation Club accommodations we’ve stayed in.
The small number of units and layout of the resort also makes for a much more intimate vacation stay. It gives the feel of a private club rather than a vacation club resort.
Though we love dining out on that incredibly fresh Hawaiian seafood and other tantalizing island dishes, our family also enjoys cooking in, and with a team effort, we come up with some pretty darn good meals in Kauai. There are plenty of grocery stores and farmer’s markets on the island. The property has a good number of grilling stations, and we never had to wait for a grill when we were ready to put on our steak, chicken or seafood dishes.
Another huge benefit of staying at the Kauai Lagoons resort is that there are no resort fees. That’s not something you’ll find at many properties these days where that additional $50 per day added to your final bill can be a real ‘ouch factor.’
Book your stay at Kauai Lagoons Marriott.
The Property is a Tropical Oasis
Lush foliage, sparkling lagoons, and a scenic coastline are all part of Kauai Lagoons’ appeal. Though the resort doesn’t have its own private beach, there are many beaches close by, including the picturesque stretch of sand at Marriott Kauai Beach Club. You can’t beat the sight of cruise ships coming in and out of Nawiliwili Harbor or the sunrises and sunsets (yes, you get both here due to the location of the resort) and the beautiful harbor lighthouse.
A heated outdoor tropical swimming pool with a slide and water features along with a whirlpool spa are popular with guests.
The Kauai Lagoons Marriott also features a fitness center and a game room with ping pong and billiards. There are also numerous peaceful walking trails along the waterfront and lagoon. Guests can also access the spa located within the Lagoon’s sister property, the nearby Marriott Kauai Beach Club.
Book your stay at the Marriott Kauai Beach Club
Kauai Visiting Around the Island
Even though the island of Kauai isn’t that large, it’s still nice to be close enough to get to all the most popular attractions. Kauai Lagoons Marriott is perfectly located to do just that. As a matter of fact, it’s a surprise to most new visitors to the island that the airport is actually only about 10 minutes from the resort.
Many ask if a rental car should be booked, and I’ll answer with a resounding “yes!” The island is super easy to navigate and drivers by and large are extremely patient and considerate. Having your own transportation will provide ultimate flexibility. It’s also extremely helpful should the weather quickly change, which it can on an island in the middle of the Pacific.
For those into golfing, the nearest course is only a mile away. Kauai’s famous Spouting Horn blowhole is a 30-minute drive away, as is Poipu Beach, one of the best beaches in the U.S. The spectacular gorge of Waimea Canyon, often called the ‘Grand Canyon of the Pacific’ takes about 50 minutes and you can stop at charming Hanapepe Town along the way.
The top attraction that’s the furthest distance, Kauai’s jaw-dropping Na Pali Coast, is only an hour-and-half counterclockwise north from the Lagoons with many stunning ‘honey, stop the car moments’ along the picturesque route. These stops include waterfalls, the Wailua River, a lighthouse and gorgeous Hanauma Bay, just to name a few.
Kauai is one of those places where at the end of your vacation, you’ll be planning your return and vowing to stay longer. I know we sure did. Kauai has that magical kind of aloha that makes it very hard to stay away.
Everyone should have their own special happy place, and Kauai is ours.
What do you think?